The District of Columbia vs. Heller case, brought before the Supreme Court on March 18, 2008, was an appeal of Parker v. District of Columbia.

The Court's June 26, 2008, ruling supported the lower court's view of the second amendment, arguing that the constitution prohibits an absolute ban on handguns.The New York Times: Justices Rule for Individual Gun Rights (June 27, 2008)

In the case of Parker v. District of Columbia, a lower appeals court became the first federal court to rule that a handgun ban infringed upon citizens' second amendment constitutional rights. It was only the second decision to explicitly view the second amendment as a protection of an individual's right to firearm ownership for personal use. The Supreme Court ruling will be considered a major statement on the status of the second amendment in the United States.Washingtonian: DC Gun Rights: Do You Want This... (March 1, 2008)

Addressing a sensitive issue in the middle of a presidential campaign, the District of Columbia vs. Heller decision elicited comments from both Senators Barack Obama and John McCain.

• "Unlike the elitist view that believes Americans cling to guns out of bitterness, today’s ruling recognizes that gun ownership is a fundamental right—sacred, just as the right to free speech and assembly."—John McCainUSA Today: Reaction: Supreme Court says 2nd Amendment confers individual right (June 26, 2008)

• "Today's decision reinforces that if we act responsibly, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe."—Barack ObamaUSA Today: Reaction: Supreme Court says 2nd Amendment confers individual right (June 26, 2008)